Advocacy Coordinator

POSITION PURPOSE

In furtherance of IAEC’s mission, core values, and strategic plan, manage and enhance the grassroot activities of the Association. Assist in coordination of functions pertaining to legislative issues. Support PAC activities. Communicate legislative issues to the membership. Assist in policy analysis and position development.  Assist, improve, and support the advocacy efforts of IAEC and its members.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage and enhance the Association’s grassroots advocacy program that engages cooperative directors, managers, employees, and member-consumers to influence the legislative and political process and build relationships with policymakers at all levels of government to improve the cooperative business climate.
• Perform program management tasks including notifying members of advocacy opportunities, updating the website, managing/ordering supplies, etc.
• Conduct grassroots training for cooperatives’ management teams, employees and boards of directors.
• Manage the association’s grassroots activation process, follow up and reporting.
• Manage and execute grassroots social media strategy.
• Collaborate with staff in creating talking points for advocates (state and federal).
• Coordinate and facilitate Iowa Capitol visits for IAEC members.
• Develop and maintain website content for the Policy and Advocacy department and the Iowa Rural Power Education Foundation (IRPEF).
• Prepare and deliver presentations to cooperative employees and directors, conference attendees and other key audiences as requested.
• Attend cooperative annual meetings and other events to highlight grassroots efforts and recruit advocates.
• Work closely with other association departments for events such as the Welcome Back Reception, REC Day on the Hill, Legislative Breakfast, etc., taking the lead on certain aspects of each event.
• Coordinate Iowa’s contingent and attend the NRECA Legislative Conference and IAEC Legislative Fly-in(s) to Washington, DC.
• Coordinate the association’s PAC efforts (soliciting, collection, accounting, data entry, reporting, PAC auction, etc.)
• Assist in the administration of the IRPEF.
• Review and analyze legislative information such as Senate and House journals and amendments, summarize legislative sessions, and prepare information for the Association’s bill tracker.
• Assist in development and attend and participate in legislative activities consistent with Association policies and procedures, contributing to the Association’s overall effectiveness in the legislative arena.
• Assist in federal advocacy efforts with Iowa Congressional delegation and their respective staff, in addition to state and federal administrative agencies and their respective staffs, as necessary.
• Communicate with National Rural Electric Cooperative Association staff and engage with other statewide government relations staff.
• Assist IAEC standing committees on legislative issues and advocacy matters.
• Other duties as assigned.